This pest is my downfall to being a better gardener. It is a small black fly 1/16 to 1/8 inch size. slow moving but not an afid (sp). The white larva is numerious in the soil 1) I believe the adult sucks sap. I believe it is responsible for dull olive green rhododendrum leaves covers with white specks -- same with azalias. takes away luster but isn't the worst of it. 2) I believe the larva is more damaging as I think the eat the roots of various plants. I had a few dozen rhododendrum seedlings and when they had 3-4 leafs, the flies came and the seedlings died. I have also had them invade certain other plants in the house. I would say these flies are a cause of root/stem rot. 3) The larva seem to like soil rich in organics/mulch/peat. I would say moist soil too as I tend to overwater a bit; however, leting the soil dry completly between waterings doesn't seem to have any effect. I believe their natural purpose is to help decompose the mulch. However, IMO they don't seem to distingish live roots from mulch. 4) I believe it is a very commom pest as I have had this pest kill plants grown inside for years. Not all plants, but certain plants. At the same time, I don't know of others having this problem. 5) I don't use pesicides/soaps but will it that what it takes. If I'm to be more sucessful at my experiments, I need to know what this fly is and how to deal with it. Right now I have the problem with green beans being grown under lights. I don't normally grow green beans indoors -- its just me experimenting. But if history repeats, they'll die. Anyone knoe what the problem is?
Without pulling out the magnifying glass to verify, I would say that is a bull-eye! The one thing I didn't see mentioned was spotting of the leaves, but this could be something else??? or I haven't searched enough yet??? Anyway, I'm not about to change my heavy use of organics but, and I've been warned befor, I really need to change my bad habit of not sterilizing the soil. Anyway thanks a whole bunch!
Hello. I live in Arkansas and recently purchased a rhododendrum. I try to water at least every other day. After about a week, I checked the plant and the tall stalks were bending completely over. I got on this site and got basically no information other than to join this society. The funny thing is, I watered the plant again. (It had been very hot that day). Also, like you, I noticed the white flies (that is what I call them) and I sprinkled sevin dust. The Rhododendrum is now very healthy looking. I hope this helps
